JDub's head brewer Tom Harris is leaving

It's a time of transition at JDub's Brewing Co. in Sarasota. Their head brewer, Tom Harris, is leaving.

In an interview today at the brewery on Mango Avenue, neither Harris nor Jeremy Joerger, JDub's founder and CEO, portrayed the split as acrimonious. Instead, they said the decision was mutual, but sad.

“When I told the staff I broke down in tears,” Joerger said.

Joerger said his brewery's rapid growth (he said they are reaching milestones planned for Year 4 during Year 2) meant Harris' role was changing into something Harris didn't want.

"It's gone further that what I ever expected," Harris said. He’s been doing more things he doesn’t like and less of what he does.

“There’s a lot more than just brewing,” Joerger said.

"He didn't see us growing like this,” Joerger said. “It turned into a business.” In JDub’s early days it was just him and Harris, working on building a brewery.

“We spent more time with each other than with our significant others,” Harris said.

Joerger said there will be more growth at the Mango Avenue brewery, and he hopes to open a second facility in Sarasota in the future.

Matt Tucker, JDub's incoming head brewer.

Matt Tucker, who is running Cigar City’s brewpub in Tampa, will be taking over as head brewer and director of brewing operations on Nov. 16, Joerger said. Tucker has a long and award-winning brewing history, he said. Tucker worked on a collaboration between Cigar City and JDub's in Sarasota last year. Harris is sticking around past his official last day to make sure things go smoothly.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Harris said when asked what his plans are. Joerger said he believes Harris has something in the works.

“It’s a separation with an open door,” Joerger said.

“Tommy said, ‘I’m still coming over on Christmas for dinner.'”

Alan Shaw

Alan Shaw has been a fan of craft beer since the 1990s. He is partial to hops and has been an editor at the Herald-Tribune since 1997. He can be reached at (941) 361-4914, by email or mail at 1741 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236. Follow him at @alancshaw on Twitter and on Facebook.

Last modified: November 6, 2015
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